Local kids strike gold in Italy

THREE local children were the toast of their community recently when they won eight medals between them on the international stage. 

Dylan Murphy (11), Alex O'Brien (10) and Luke Murphy (7) – members of Muay Thai Club in Coolock – travelled to Rome to compete for Ireland in the 2018 International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Championships.

•Dylan was crowned Muay Thai World Champion, KI World Champion, Kickboxing World Champion and Low Kick runner-up. 

•Luke was crowned K1 6-8 World Champion; Kickboxing 8-10 runner-up; and K1 8-10 third place. 

•Alex was K1 runner-up, Low Kick runner-up and came third in the Kickboxing event.

This was a marvellous achievement for the talented youngsters, especially given their age and as a result of their exploits they have been invited to the Mansion House to meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Muay Thai (or Thai boxing) is a combat sport of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.

The discipline is known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ as it is characterised by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. 

The sport became widespread internationally in the 20th century.